The landmark Gladstone Substation Rebuild Project has been delivered by Powerlink Queensland 16 months ahead of schedule and 20 per cent under budget.
State Minister for Energy and Water Supply, Mark McArdle, said the project was vital for the region’s future prosperity.
“While Gladstone Power Station is Queensland’s largest power generator, the substation which received the electricity from it was 40 years old and was reaching the end of its technical life,” Mr McArdle said.
“Powerlink’s reinvestment in this new electricity infrastructure secures the future power supply to some of the largest energy users in our state, including the Boyne Island Smelters and the Queensland Alumina Refinery.”
As part of the project, 22 new transmission towers and 8 kilometres of new transmission lines were constructed to connect the new substation to the transmission network that powers not only Gladstone, but the wider Central Queensland area.
Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said the strong focus on planning, design and management ensured the project exceeded all targets.
“By undertaking a collaborative planning approach with Gladstone Power Station, Gladstone Regional Council, local industry, and the community, the Powerlink team developed strategies to reduce project impacts and finish ahead of time and under budget.”
In addition to economic benefits, the project generated significant environmental outcomes, including the installation of 300 bird boxes, the planting of 3,500 native saplings, and the rehabilitation of a wetland area.
